Mason sparks Chattanooga over Wofford 51-48

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — Z. Mason came off the bench to score 17 points and grab 13 rebounds, both season highs, to lead Chattanooga to a 51-48 Southern Conference victory over Wofford on Thursday night.

Mason, a sophomore forward who transferred from Mississippi, where he played football, put the Mocs (9-9, 3-2) ahead to stay, 46-44, by hitting two free throws with 48 seconds left.

Wofford’s Brad Loesing scored 15 of his 21 points in the second half to bring the Terriers (9-8, 2-3) back from a 28-21 halftime deficit.

Ricky Taylor added two free throws and Keegan Bell three in the final half-minute to keep Chattanooga in front.

Both teams continued their strong defensive play. The Mocs had held their previous five opponents to 35.5 percent shooting and Wofford shot 28.4 percent (19 of 67).

The Terriers came in leading the conference in scoring defense at 62.1 points per game.